Sunday, April 27, 2008

If you're not familiar with the faith, it can be awkward knowing what your Mormon friends can and can't do. For instance, is there anything you shouldn't serve them at a dinner? What can they do on Sundays? If you're looking into joining the church, what lifestyle will you be expected to live?

Most commandments of the church coincide with basic laws of goodness that are common to all churches: don't kill, don't steal, don't lie, don't do drugs, don't split infinitives, etc. So I'll just discuss some major commandments which may be different from other churches, starting with the Word of Wisdom:

#1 Mormons don't use alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or tea. This is definitely the one people most want to know about. It comes from a much more general law of health given by the Lord to Joseph Smith in 1833. The entire revelation can be found here. We call it the Word of Wisdom because it was given as "a word of wisdom...for the benefit of the saints in zion." In addition to some guidelines on eating healthy, it says that strong drinks (alcohol) and tobacco are not for the body, and neither are "hot drinks," which was later clarified to mean just coffee and tea. (And by "tea" I mean green or black tea.)

So after I tell people about the Word of Wisdom, almost everyone follows up with the question: "why?" Everyone knows that smoking will give you cancer. But isn't a little bit of alcohol okay, even beneficial? And what's so bad about coffee and tea?

There are 7.3 million studies and 2.02 trillion opinions about "what's so bad about alcohol/coffee/tea." Most people want some scientific proof of exactly which compound does exactly what, but honestly, it all just boils down to faith. The Lord doesn't often provide a clear why with His commandments. If you believe the Lord said it, then you'll just have to trust Him. Frankly, He would know. In 1833, when this revelation was given, everyone smoked and chewed tobacco, and there was absolutely no evidence that anything was bad about that. People living the Word of Wisdom just had to take it on faith for 150 years, and lucky for the ones that did. No doubt one day we will know why, but until then it's just a desire to do what the Lord wants.

And the Lord promises all kinds of great things for living the Word of Wisdom. Things like "health in their navel and marrow in their bones" (an interesting way to put it) and "wisdom and great treasures of knowledge." And look, it works! According to studies by Dr. Enstrom of UCLA, active Mormons live 8 to 11 years longer than the national average, with about half the mortality rate from cancer and heart disease.

It's also important to note that health is not the only reason the revelation was given. It was given "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days..." In that sense, it's a warning against addiction. There are plenty of drug traffickers and companies that make a lot of money by creating and preying upon the addictions of others.

Can Mormons drink caffeine? I thought you'd never ask! There is actually no commandment or prohibition against drinking Coke, Pepsi, or any other caffeinated beverage. However, there are quite a lot of Mormons who don't, just out of a personal conviction. Many consider any addictive substance like caffeine to be implicitly against the Word of Wisdom. Among my devout Mormon friends, there is a pretty big range, from people who have never had a Coke to people who can't live without Dr. Pepper. So it's something to be aware of.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

We (on this website) have emphasized the role of prayer in learning truth from God, but I must admit we have been leaving something out.

Some may get the impression that if any question arises, a good Mormon will kneel, ask God, and then 'pop!' the answer appears in their heads. This approach does work sometimes:

I knew a guy named Seth that couldn't for the life of him remember the name of an essay he was trying to explain to me. He was agonizing over it. You know the feeling -- it's on the tip of your tongue... I suggested he pray about it. At first he thought that was a silly idea. Then he went into another room and came out a few minutes later, beaming. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Seth said triumphantly, "I said a prayer and it just came to me."

This process is very similar to the scientific method: identify a problem, devise a test (prayer), perform the test, document the results, and adjust your actions to fit your new knowledge. The issue is that sometimes God wants to see (or wants us to see) how well we will adjust our actions before he gives us the answer. For example, it makes little sense for Him to affirm that Jesus is the Christ if you don't intend to ever become His disciple.

The Book of Mormon puts it like this, "...I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trialofyourfaith." Ether 12:6

Thus, the action comes before the answer. This is called a 'leap of faith,' and shows God a token amount of trust in Him and His messengers. Elder David A. Bednar, an Apostle in the Church, gave this illustration:

Recall how the Israelites came to the river Jordan and were promised the waters would part, and they would be able to cross over on dry ground. Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted. They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land, they looked back and beheld the evidence of things not seen. In this episode, faith as assurance led to action and produced the evidence of things not seen that were true.

So, when you ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, do it with real intent. Read it. Invest some time in it. Show the Lord that you are willing to step into the baptismal font if this really is His church. These are the prayers that receive mighty answers.

‘You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you’- Harold B. Lee, 11th president and prophet of the LDS Church

Friday, April 18, 2008

There have been many thought-provoking comments made, which stem from the polygamy post that I posted earlier this week. However, the discussion has moved away from polygamy to prophets, authority, faith, trust and so forth. I feel that I should post my answers to these questions where all can see them easily. These are in response to Jeremy Laduke's questions and my answers are addressed to him, but they apply to all. To read his entire statement, please see the comments on the polygamy post. I have taken his questions and other statements and inserted them as I have responded to them.

Sincerely,

Ben

Jeremy:

You have raised some good concerns and you think that there are contradictions in my statements. However, it is my hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about Mormon beliefs. What I have stated is the doctrine of our church and what I have come to know by studying the doctrine. The understanding of this doctrine has come at a high price of diligent study and seeking to understand. Therefore, it is easy for me to understand that you might not see things the way I do, because you have not sought for understanding of these truths the way that I have. Now, I am making some assumptions here, one that you are not a member of our Church and two that you have not sincerely searched pondered and prayed about such things as the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, revelation, prophets, priesthood (as Mormons understand it) and a plethora of other doctrines. I believe that if you were to go through these same sorts of experiences and sincerely desire to know if what I am telling you is true you would find that it is true. However, it appears that you and I are on different sides of the stadium trying to understand the game that we are watching and seeing different perspectives.

“In the first paragraph of your response you say that you put your faith in God and not man who can err. However most of response after that seems to be defending the credibility of the men whom you call prophets.”

As far as me seeming to contradict myself by saying that I trust in God and then defend men whom I regard as prophets, I think I must not have been clear enough. I believe that God has called these men to be prophets, they are God’s mouthpieces. They teach us what God would teach us. Therefore, I am defending my beliefs in God and his reality when I defend these men. I trust these men, the prophets, because once again, I believe they are teaching me what God has told them to teach. Thus, if I choose to reject one then I am rejecting the other and vice versa. (See below also)

“In fact, most of the beliefs that you as a Mormon hold and that diverge from orthodox Christianity are dependent upon the validity of Joseph Smith's testimony”

You are exactly right. The truths we proclaim and teach are dependent upon the validity of Joseph Smith’s testimony. Either he saw God or he didn’t, I think that we would both agree that it is that simple. Either there was an apostasy and the right and authority given to man to speak in God’s name was lost, or that authority continued on down through the popes and the Catholic church is right. Now, this puts Mormons in an interesting position. If Joseph Smith is a true prophet and what he said was true, then what we teach is true and the Mormon church is true as is the Book of Mormon, the reality of a living prophet, the concept that the Godhead is three separate beings and so on and so forth. If this is the case, well then we are the only church on the earth that can offer true and abiding salvation and the opportunity to gain it. However, if we aren’t right, then we are just another church, with our peculiar beliefs that diverge from mainstream Christianity. The last thing is that we believe that Joseph Smith didn’t diverge from orthodox Christianity, rather through him God restored the true Church and Gospel.

“Also, what exactly qualifies as God 'removing someone from their place'? Joseph Smith was killed in a jail, Brigham Young died at 76. Were these men 'removed'? If you answer no – why?”

No, they were not removed because they led the church astray. At any point in our lives if we ever question anything, we believe that we can ask God in prayer and he will tell us what is right. Therefore, we have the right to ask God if what the prophet has taught is true and God will confirm whether it is or isn’t through the Holy Ghost. Therefore, Jeremy I leave it up to you to find out if God removed these men because they led the church astray or if they were true and faithful to the end. Personally I know that they were not removed because they led the church astray.

“You wrote: When I do what the prophet says it is because I believe that what the prophet asks me to do is what God asks of me. Thus, there is no reason for me to doubt what the prophet asks. I want to say that there is plenty of reason to doubt what a prophet says sometimes. When Joseph Smith prophesied that he would never be overthrown and that God would continually strengthen him, and then less than two years later he was murdered - that gives me plenty of reason to doubt. I understand that many prophets have given sound advice, but so has Dr. Phil.”

I have no reason to doubt if what a prophet has taught is true, because I have already gained a confirmation from God that he is God’s prophet, therefore I believe that what he says is true. When a prophet speaks in the name of God, it is what God would say if God were there, as I alluded to before. It is then our opportunity to accept or reject it. Let me put it this way, if God is god and he knows all and if he does have a prophet on the earth today, do you think that God will call a person to be his prophet if he knows that that person will lead the church astray and cause, in our time, millions of people to be led astray. I sincerely doubt that will happen. God wants all of his children to come home, so why would he call someone to be a prophet who is going to hinder them from coming home?

“I am also curious if there is a list of the eternal laws, or if they can be deduced from the whole of scripture like you have done? For many of the prophecies that can be overturned are in your Doctrines and Covenants and hold the position of scripture, right?”

No Jeremy there isn’t a master list of eternal laws. However, I think that it is pretty simple to see that when God or his prophets say “No unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God” that is an eternal law. Or when Christ, teaching Nicodemus says, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” These are eternal laws and these sorts of statements are what I was referring to.

The last thing that I would like to add Jeremy is that I believe what I believe because of what I have experienced in my life. I do not blame you for not believing me, I assume that you haven’t experienced what I have. I can see that you want to understand and perhaps maybe you just want to try to show the world how myopic you think Mormons are, but I cannot deny what I know. My testimony of the reality of the prophet Joseph Smith has been seared into my heart and soul by the Holy Ghost and I will not waver from that, nor will I waver from all that rests upon the validity of Joseph Smith’s testimony. It is a valid story, but you have to pay the price to find out if it is true. Acquiring a testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ comes by putting in the effort required to gain it and by showing God that you really want to know by sincerely seeking, not seeking to disprove it. I will never regret the price that I have paid to gain the knowledge that I have of these things.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

In light of current events happening in the state of Texas regarding a group of polygamists, I feel I should explain a little more about polygamy. To quell any doubts in your mind, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), do not, I repeat, do not engage in polygamy. Men have only one wife and women have only one husband. This has been the law in our church for 117 1/2 years now. If anyone associates in any way with the practice of polygamy and they do not disavow their practices they are excommunicated from our Church, no questions asked.

I have one wife and thank goodness I have only one wife! I would have double the honey-do list if I had two and I can't even keep up with the one.

It is true that in our early history there were men who had multiple wives. The reason? We believe in continuing revelation from God as the method for guiding the Church and its people. That is, we believe that God speaks to us through prophets, just as he always has from Adam down to Jesus Christ and the original twelve apostles. We believe that God called Joseph Smith as a prophet, just as he had all of the previous prophets. We also believe that God commanded Joseph Smith to institute this practice of polygamy and to his credit, he was obedient. We don't know exactly why God commanded this, but polygamy is not a new thing. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had multiple wives; Moses did too. Like I said, God commanded and these men obeyed.

In this same vein, on September 24, 1890, Wilford Woodruff, then president and prophet of our Church declared that from this date forward, plural marriages would not be allowed. This was to be in accordance with the constitutional laws that had been established. As quick as it began, it was ended. You must realize that this declaration became a binding doctrine upon all members of our church at that time and ever since. If they did not heed the declaration, they found their way out of the church.

You must also realize that there were those who were not happy with this. Those who disagreed and would not follow the established doctrine called Wilford Woodruff a fallen prophet and split from our church. They set up their own church, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). These are the people who are still practicing polygamy today in Colorado City, AZ/Hildale, UT and Eldorado, TX as well as other places. They still sustain Joseph Smith as a prophet, as well as Brigham Young and John Taylor, the second and third prophets, but not Wilford Woodruff the fourth prophet of our Church. Why they believe that God could command one thing, but not be able to stop it is beyond my understanding.

The members of the FLDS church still read the Book of Mormon and I assume they share a majority of the beliefs that the Mormon Church does. Now, they are not all bad people, they are good people. I have dealt personally with many who practice polygamy. They work hard and they do a lot of good in this world, but they have their own beliefs and we, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, have our beliefs. I don't condemn them for having their own beliefs, but I do not condone their practices. As I said, the Church of JesusChrist of Latter-Day Saints does not practice polygamy.

I hope that this helps you all understand where my church stands on this issue that comes up over and over again. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."James 1:5

Looks like we're promised wisdom if we ask for it. He's giving it out liberally. You may even ask him specific questions about life, relationships, a verse from the scriptures, etc. When He says He won't 'upbraid,' it means he won't scold you for asking.

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"Matthew 7:7-10

Hmm. So if we want something to eat he won't get all indignant on us and take us out to the tool shed for asking for it.

Some people are afraid to pray. I call it the Monkey's Paw effect. In the short story by W. W. Jacobs, the monkey's paw granted its owner £200 to pay for his house, but it cost him his son's life. The moral is loud and clear: be careful what you wish for. But, when it comes to our Father, we know He doesn't play games like that. He will not give us a stone when we ask for a loaf of bread. If we ask for something we shouldn't (like any good father), He will help us understand why, rather than scold us.

"Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase."Alma 34: 24-25

Looks like if you're a farmer or a shepherd you're OK'd to ask for help with your job. But what about an accountant or a student or an auto mechanic? What can they pray for? Do you think He would help them too?

Have you had any experience with this? What did you pray for and how did you get it?

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Today and tomorrow are what is known to Mormons worldwide as "General Conference Weekend." It happens twice a year -- the first weekend of April and of October. It's a broadcast service in which the living Prophet and the twelve Apostles speak to all the world. Usually, Mormons are the bulk of the audience, but the messages are for all people, regardless of religion, and I would like to invite you to tune in.

If you live anywhere near Utah, you'll likely find the station on broadcast TV and radio. Satellite carries the BYU channel throughout the world. I believe some cable companies also carry it. If all else fails, the Church offers live streaming video on their website, along with LOTS of options for streaming audio in whichever language you prefer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ADDENDUM:The weekend is over and there were some terrific talks. I particularly liked Elder Dallin H. Oaks' sermon on testimony. How can we know things? There is more knowledge than can be gained by the scientific method, and a lot of it is more important.

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